Canada’s unions holding third emergency meeting in response to U.S. tariffs
February 26, 2025
OTTAWA, ON – The Canadian Council, led by the Canadian Labour Congress is holding its third emergency meeting tonight to address the incoming U.S. tariffs set to take effect on March 4, and to discuss a plan to protect workers and communities from the economic fallout. Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) President Bea Bruske will be available for media interviews following…
Another Attack on Canadian Workers: Trump’s 25% Tariffs on Canadian Steel and Aluminum
February 10, 2025
OTTAWA – Today, Donald Trump has once again launched an economic attack on Canadian workers, slapping a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports. These reckless tariffs threaten tens of thousands of good-paying jobs and destabilize industries that are the backbone of Canada’s economy. Steel and aluminum are critical to Canada’s industrial base, supplying essential inputs to the automotive, energy,…
Canadian Labour Congress, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, and United Steelworkers to address threat of U.S. tariffs on Canadian jobs
January 29, 2025
Sault Ste. Marie –– CLC President Bea Bruske, alongside federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and representatives from the United Steelworkers union (USW) will hold a press conference to address the urgent economic and social crisis posed by the U.S.’s plan to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian products on February 1st. Tariffs of this magnitude would devastate thousands of jobs…
Canada’s unions call for the immediate release of trade union leaders jailed in Hong Kong
April 20, 2021
Canada’s unions strongly condemn the prosecution of trade union leaders and pro‑democracy activists in Hong Kong. On April 16, Lee Cheuk Yan, General Secretary of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions, was sentenced to 18 months in jail for participating in a pro-democracy protest organized by trade unions nearly two years ago. Four other democracy defenders also received prison…
Protect the women who make our clothes: Canada’s unions and civil society organizations call for action
April 24, 2020
Seven years after the tragic Rana Plaza building collapse, Bangladesh garment sector workers now confront even more risk and vulnerability in the fight against COVID-19. Canada’s unions and civil society organizations are calling for immediate relief for workers and protection of rights in global supply chains. The coalition says that concerns for workers cannot stop at Canada’s borders and the…
Canadian unions condemn the use of excessive force against democracy protestors in Hong Kong. In the last two months, hundreds of thousands of Hong Kong citizens have protested against an extradition law with China, perceived to undermine Hong Kong’s independence and restrict basic freedoms. These demonstrations have been met with an escalation in police violence, tear gas and rubber…
Federal government must protect workers following export ban
June 28, 2019
Canada’s unions are calling on the federal government to ensure Canadian workers are protected from job and income loss following China’s recent ban on Canadian beef and pork exports. The ban was imposed after Chinese customs inspectors detected a prohibited feed additive in a batch of pork shipments labelled as Canadian. The Canada Food and Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed the…
International trade is a vital part of the Canadian economy. International trade agreements must promote economic equality, encourage the creation of good jobs, support the interests of working people, and ensure ecological sustainability.
Along with key gains in the USMCA, Canada’s unions raise concern
October 1, 2018
Canada’s unions say the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) represents some points of progress, but are raising concern over protections for some Canadian workers. “Workers across the country will be happy to learn that NAFTA’s Chapter 11 has finally been eliminated from this trade agreement,” said Canadian Labour Congress President, Hassan Yussuff. “Decades of unfairness have cost Canada over $300…
Canadian and European trade unions: EU not following through with promises on CETA review
September 25, 2018
Upcoming meeting in Montreal provides an opportunity to address growing concerns On the first anniversary of CETA’s implementation, trade unions on both sides of the Atlantic are warning that the trade deal is not a ‘model’ agreement and say it is time for an immediate review. The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) are calling…